The Justice Department is dropping subpoenas that demanded grand jury testimony and phone records from New York Times journalists after a federal judge raised sharp questions on Thursday, according to NPR.
Key facts
- The Justice Department is dropping subpoenas issued to New York Times journalists.
- The subpoenas had demanded grand jury testimony and phone records.
- The move follows sharp questioning from a federal judge on Thursday.
- The development was reported by NPR.
The Justice Department is dropping the subpoenas it had filed demanding grand jury testimony and phone records from New York Times journalists, according to NPR. The reversal came after a federal judge posed sharp questions during a Thursday hearing.
The subpoenas had sought both testimony before a grand jury and the phone records of the journalists involved. Such demands typically arise when prosecutors are seeking to identify sources or gather evidence in an investigation.
NPR reported that it was the pressure applied by the judge during Thursday’s questioning that prompted the Justice Department to withdraw the subpoenas.
The decision to drop the subpoenas removes, at least for now, a legal demand that had targeted journalists at one of the country’s largest newspapers.
Beyond the withdrawal of the subpoenas and the judge’s role in prompting it, further details were not provided in the available reporting.
Why it matters
Subpoenas directed at journalists' testimony and phone records raise concerns about press freedom and the protection of confidential sources. The Justice Department's decision to withdraw the demands, prompted by a judge's questioning, underscores the role courts can play in checking such requests.
Frequently asked questions
What did the Justice Department subpoenas demand?
According to NPR, the subpoenas demanded grand jury testimony and phone records from New York Times journalists.
Why did the Justice Department drop the subpoenas?
NPR reported that the department dropped the subpoenas after sharp questioning from a federal judge during a Thursday hearing.